National Cage Bird Show
Airline Information

(This page was last updated 4/6/2008)

 

You may also go to the Airline Links page for links directly to the airlines

For more Travel Discount Information (plus important airline information)
Successfully Traveling By Air With Birds
    By: Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
        NCBS Airline Liaison
 
One of the safest, most convenient and lately most economical modes of transportation when traveling long distances to bird shows, is to fly on commercial airlines. Unfortunately, it can also be the most restrictive and therefore more frustrating experiences if one is unaware of the rules and regulations.
 
As someone that regularly flies 20,000 to 50,000 miles per year with birds, I hope to help alleviate the difficulties exhibitors can encounter when flying with their birds. It has always been my experience that the best way to overcome obstacles is to evaluate and understand the situation from the opposite viewpoint. This often provides the best tactical advantage in order to achieve success. The issues raised from the prospective of both the airlines and the government, two separate entities but both of which need to be addressed by the bird-flying public, will allow everyone to have a stress-free experience when flying with birds.
 
When flying with birds, exhibitors must realize that they are dealing with two separate but necessary components of the aviation industry that can either prevent or allow a successful flight. Those components are the Federal government, which regulates airline security under the Transportation Security Administration and the airlines themselves, which formulate the rules and restrictions for their individual planes. It is vital to understand the motives and goals of each in order to achieve a successful flying experience..
 
I will present these issues and ideas as well as how to deal with them effectively in a series of articles. We will begin with the airlines and birds flying in the cabin since that is where most of the problems arise when flying with birds. The first installment will focus on dealing directly with the airlines’ policies and requirements when flying with birds in the cabin.
 
One thing that exhibitors must remember is that flying is a privilege NOT A RIGHT. There is nothing in the Constitution of the United States that guarantees anyone the right to fly on an airplane. Furthermore, flying with pets including birds is also a privilege and not something that other members of the public might appreciate. Airlines are businesses and as such, they need to make money to stay in business. Some airlines will not allow birds or any animals on their flights at all and as a business, that is their prerogative. Some of the major airlines that DO NOT ALLOW birds on their flights are:
 
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American Airlines
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Frontier Airlines
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Jet Blue Airlines
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Southwest Airlines
 
All exhibitors need to check with their airline PRIOR to booking a flight. Some airlines will accommodate members of the bird flying public under limited conditions. This is for the health and safety of other members of the public that are also their customers. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to understand and comply with these rules and regulations. If not, the airlines do not have to allow people to fly with their birds. The following airlines allow restricted number of pets (birds) in cabin as follows:
 
Airline
# Birds First-Class
# Birds Main Cabin
Air Tran Airlines
 
3
Alaska Air
1
5
Continental Airlines
1
1
Delta Airlines
1
2
Northwest Airlines
2
4
United – Canaries, Finches & Parakeets ONLY 
NO PARROTS
 
2
US Airways
1
2
 
We are all aware of how litigious our society is and if someone has an allergic reaction or becomes ill because of birds, the airlines will be held liable. That is why most airlines have a limit of the number of pets in the cabin, birds included. For example, most airlines have a limit of two pets per flight. This includes all animals such as pet dogs and cats as well as birds. The only exception are service animals such as seeing-eye dogs, which are always allowed on every flight. It is very important to make sure to book the reservation for the bird as soon as possible in order to be sure there is space available on the flight. If other passengers have reservations for their dog or cat already, you may not be able to get your birds on the flight.
 
In the event an airline allows an exhibitor to get onboard with 10 birds and another passenger has a problem, they would be 100% liable for any distress and injuries that person suffers. The agent that allowed the violation of the rules may be suspended or fired and the airline may have to answer to the Federal Aviation Administration as to why they violated their own rules and regulations. Repercussions could be fines or other penalties not to mention the airline will also have to answer to their insurance liability carrier, which could be higher rates or cessation of the policy. The answer is to know what the policy is with regard to the number of birds allowed and follow it. If the exhibitor announces to the agent they have 10 birds instead of two, the agent will not let the birds on the plane. They are not being mean, they are just following the rules to protect themselves. While an argument could be made that taking two parrots on a plane is different than taking two canaries, the airlines do not care about square inches of birds. They only care about being in compliance with their own rules and regulations in order to protect their business interests.
 
Another issue that many exhibitors have a problem is the requirement for a health certificate. All 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, and the Federal government under the Animal Welfare Act, require that all birds traveling across state lines have a veterinarian issued certificate of health. Not all airlines or even states enforce this law but it is a law none-the-less. Due to the near panic proffered by the media of late regarding avian influenza (H5N1 “bird flu”), it can be almost guaranteed that this rule will be enforced by every airline when the disease reaches the United States. Again, the reason will be to protect the airlines from lawsuits and liability by the public. Exhibitors that chose to ignore this requirement do so at the risk of not being able to board the plane with their birds.
 
While most airlines that allow birds on flights state “household’ birds in their policies, some actually have listed what types of birds are allowed. America West and United airlines specifically list what types of birds are allowed i.e., ‘canaries, finches and parakeets. If an exhibitor tries to get on the flight with a cockatiel, the most likely will not be allowed. This is because airline personnel are not trained to identify birds that are similar but only follow the policy with regard to the types of birds allowed. Exhibitors need to know what types of birds are allowed and make sure they follow that policy.
 
All airlines require reservations for birds prior to the flight and are usually best made when the exhibitor is booking their ticket. Airlines will also charge a pet-in-cabin fee on flights both going to the show and returning as well. The birds must be in containers that fit under the seat and meet the airlines’ specifications. Birds must stay under the seat and in their container during the flight. They must also be housed in ‘humane’ and ‘sanitary’ conditions so they do not disturb other passengers with excessive noise or offensive odors.
 
Tips For Flying With Birds in Cabin
 
Booking Your Flight - Before you book your flight, make sure the airline you choose allows pets in the cabin. Not all airlines do and all of them have the restriction of the bird fitting underneath the seat in front of you. Others limit bird size to only cockatiel or smaller. FAA regulations allow for only two pets in the main cabin so you must make reservations for your bird with your airline. There will be a charge anywhere from $50-$100 each way which you will have to pay upon your check-in at the airport. Also, get a health certificate from your veterinarian no earlier than 10 days for your RETURN flight. Not all airlines require a health certificate but that may not matter if you are dealing with someone who is unaware of the policy. Best to be prepared just in case.
 
Preparing Your Bird - Buy an airline-approved under-the-seat carrier. The #100 Cabin Kennel is inexpensive, easy to clean and comes with either solid or wire top. It can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Get a small cage that comfortably holds your bird and fits inside the carrier. Be sure to include a perch and food and water cups. Do not cover the bottom of the cage or you may be required to remove your bird from the cage. Place a small bag of your bird's food and bottle of water inside but make sure there are no scissors, wire cutters or other sharp objects inside. Again, do not line the cage or carrier. The day of the flight, feed and water the bird and then place it in the cage with food, millet, juicy fruits and an ice cube in the water cup (it will melt before you get on the plane, believe me).
 
What to Expect at the Airport - Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight; some places were requiring four hours so check with your airlines. You should confirm your flight before you leave for the airport and make sure to check any connecting flights. Some airlines have reinstated curbside check in for luggage but not all. And, if you are flying with your bird, you will have to check your luggage. The FAA has limited carry-on bags to one plus a "personal" item such as a purse, briefcase or lap top computer so your bird will count as your carry-on even though you are paying extra.
 
When you get to the counter, immediately inform them you have a pet, who has a reservation, and that you need to pay his expenses. Present your health certificate and confirmation number for the bird's reservations. Do not be surprised if the person behind the counter is unfamiliar on how to process the bird's "ticket" but remain calm and do not get frustrated. There are a lot of armed law enforcement and military in the airport and you do not want a misunderstanding to develop with anyone. Remain calm and wait patiently - eventually, things will be done and you will be on your way. Make sure you have both receipts - one that is kept for your records and one that should be stapled to your ticket. This proves you have paid for the bird and should be shown to security personnel if asked. It is often asked prior to boarding the plane as well. Also, keep your health certificate handy - sometimes airlines and/or security ask to see it.
 
When you approach the security screening areas, ask for a hand-search of your bird. Most airports have turned their x-ray machines up to the highest level and this may be harmful to your bird. Inform them you can remove the bird from the carrier for inspection. You will have to hand the carrier to security, walk through the metal detector (without setting it off) and comply with all other security procedures (turning on laptops, removing cell phones, etc.) Gather your belongings and immediately open the carrier and remove the cage with the bird inside. Hold it so all angles can be seen by security - they may ask that the empty carrier go through x-ray to make sure it does not have a false bottom. Again, this procedure can be difficult because there has been virtually no training among security personnel on how to inspect animals especially birds. Most assume you have a cat or small dog that can easily be removed. Be patient and show whatever papers they request - receipt from the airlines, health certificate, whatever. Do not get angry or act rudely - remain calm and if all else fails, ask to see a supervisor.
 
Once you have gone through security, you may be asked by airline personnel to see the receipt for the bird and/or the health certificate. This may also be done at subsequent plane changes so make sure they are kept handy.
 
Tips For Flying With Bird
1.      Make Reservations For Bird
2.      Get Health Certificate
3.      Use Cage in Carrier
4.      No Paper or Substrate on Floor
5.      Use Airline Approved Carrier
6.      Arrive 2 Hours Before Flight
7.      Pay for Bird & Obtain Receipt
8.      Present Receipt/HC When Requested
9.      Have Bird Hand Inspected – Site TSA SOP 11
10.  Remove Bird in Cage for Inspection
11.  Remain Patient and Calm
 
Shipping Birds Made Easy
 
First, you need to know which airlines carry birds because several do not.  Airlines that do NOT allow birds to be shipped as cargo are:
 
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Air Tran
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Jet Blue
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Southwest
The following airlines do ship live birds. Call their air cargo desk, numbers listed below, or go to their web-sites for shipping information including rules, regulations, restrictions, policies, procedures and prices. Most airlines charge $90-$150 and there are restrictions as to number of birds, containers and weights. 
Airline
Phone
Counter Service
Air Freight
Alaska Airlines
800-225-2752
Yes (“Gold Wing”)
Yes
America West
800-228-7862
No
Yes
American Airlines
800-227-4622
Yes
Yes
Continental Airlines
800-575-3335
Yes (“Quik Pack”)
Yes
Delta Air Lines
888-736-3738
Yes
Yes
Frontier Airlines
800-394-2158
No
Yes
Horizon Air
800-225-2752
No
Yes
Northwest Airlines
800-692-2746 (VIP)
800-692-2746
Yes (“VIP)
Yes
United Airlines
800-822-2746
Yes (“Pets First”)
Yes
US Airways
888-300-0099
Yes (“PDQ”)
Yes
The next thing to decide is the method in which the bird should be shipped: either air-freight (cargo) or counter-to-counter service. When shipped as freight, they do not receive any special handling. This means they may sit in the warehouse or cargo hold of the plane for hours prior to takeoff. They will also sit in the hold or even on the tarmac between flights. The two advantages to shipping birds air freight are 1) it is cheaper than counter service and 2) there is no limit to the number of containers shipped. 
Counter-to-counter service, although more expensive, is often the preferred choice of aviculturists. The reason for the difference in price, is that in counter-to-counter shipping the bird is never just left in the plane or on the tarmac. Also, the bird is the last thing hand-carried onto the plane and the first thing to the hand-carried off. Some airlines such as Continental, waive the weather restrictions because they are very diligent and have specially trained personal as well as special holding facilities to care for animals in the event of adverse weather conditions. Each airport needs to be checked, but usually all pick-ups and deliveries are made at the air cargo center.
Due to heightened security requirements, some airlines will only allow "known shippers" to use cargo service. A "known shipper" is someone that has been investigated and inspected by the airlines and passed security requirements to allow them to ship. This is for anything that is shipped not just birds. You will need to check with each airline to determine their policy regarding 'known shippers."
Prior to shipping, the airline needs to be contacted to check for flights, requirements (such as health certificates) and restrictions such as weather conditions or reservation notices. It is best to try and get a direct flight. If using cargo, many airlines require a 2 hour layover between flights. When booking the reservation, make sure there is sufficient time for the airline personnel to get the bird onto its connecting flight. Once the reservation has been made and requirements fulfilled you need to prepare for the actual shipment. It is also possible to ship birds on the same flight as the owner but the airline should be contacted at the same time the owner is making their reservation in order to facilitate this accommodation.
Due to IATA (International Air Transportation Agency) shipping regulations, it is usually best to ship the birds inside a small cage inside of the carrier. This will insure the birds cannot get beaks, wings or feet caught in the outer container. Small shipments can be accommodated inside the standard Airline Carrier Number 100. If shipping more birds or larger birds, you can use your own design but it must accommodate the airline’s policy regulations. Again, check with the airline to determine what is allowed. Soft sided, collapsible or containers made from material other than wood, metal or hard plastic are usually not allowed. Most airlines have this information on their web-sites.
Keep in mind that the cage and carrier must also allow for security inspection. Some airlines may require you to remove the birds from the carrier so be prepared. Usually, however, if the cage and carrier are completely visibly accessible the airlines will not require removal. This is especially true if you are known shipper and/or are flying on the same flight. Be sure and bring your airline ticket or boarding pass if flying on the same flight and always have your paperwork accurately completed and available.
Most airlines require that reservations be made at least 24 hours or more in advance. This is done through the air cargo service number. Reservations are subject to availability as well as weather, labor and other conditions as the airline deems necessary. Most airlines will prepare the shipping labels at the time of reservation so be sure and have the information available when you call. This is whether or not you are picking up the birds or shipping to another person. They will need the name, address and telephone number including area code of both the shipper and the receiver. It is also a good idea to place the same information inside the carrier in the event something gets lost. Make sure to get the bird to the airport in the amount of time required by the airline. Most airlines need at least 90 minutes for counter-to-counter service and two hours for cargo but check the airline to be sure. . Make sure you bring all required paperwork including health certificates, payment for fees, and driver's license. If shipping to another person, call the new owner and give them the flight number and air bill number. If you are traveling on the same flight, keep this information handy. This will allow the shipment to be tracked and allow the receiver to pick up the birds without unnecessary delay upon arrival. Receivers should be prepared to show photographic identification for security purposes. 
The cage must be outfitted with a water container and food. Although the water will spill, always provide a cup so it can be filled in the event the flight is delayed. Placing an ice cube in the water cup will also allow the birds access to water for a longer period of time. Be sure and provide seed, millet spray and lots of fresh juicy fruits such as oranges, kiwi or melon. You should also include a weeks' worth of the bird’s basic seed/pellets in a small bag in the container just in case of an unforeseen delay. Most airlines require written care instructions be displayed on the shipping container so be sure and supply that information.
Finally, be sure and check with the State Veterinarian of the state to which you are shipping for any requirements such as health certificates, import or other special entry permits. Remember that all 50 states including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of shipping. By following these instructions, you should not have any problems shipping your bird with the airlines.
If you understand and follow these rules, your flying experience with birds will be a good one. Remember, airlines do not have to accommodate those of us flying with birds and by following the rules and policies, you and your bird, as well as the airline and other passengers, will arrive at your destination safely and stress free. If we try to bend the rules or refuse to follow them, the airlines may decide not to allow birds on flights at all. So, be courteous, know and follow the rules and you and your birds can enjoy a comfortable, relaxing flight to your next bird show. 

 

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